It’s the ultimate health supplement which gives you all the essential B vitamins: thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin (vitamin B7), folic acid (vitamin B9), & cobalamins (vitamin B12)… all in a single supplement!
Why Do You Need It?
Do you feel like you just don’t have enough energy to get through your day? There’s a good reason why athletes use B vitamins; they are known to support the production of energy in your cells, but the benefits don’t stop there. They have also been linked to the immune and nervous systems, as well as healthy muscle, skin, blood cells, and more.
An Important Warning
Not every super B complex is created equal. Many say the coenzyme form of B vitamins will give you much better absorption, because this is the natural state your liver must convert them to in order to be biologically active. Unfortunately the health supplements sold at your local chain store rarely use this form because it’s less profitable to produce.
It’s also important to understand more about the types of vitamin B so you can understand their history, how they were discovered, and what they do. Before I get into these issues any deeper, I would like to make it known that I am an ordinary consumer, not a doctor. Although I strive to discuss these things accurately, understand that nothing on this blog should be misconstrued as being medical advice. Also the United States Food & Drug Administration has made it very clear that dietary supplements (like super B complex) should never be used as a means to cure, prevent, or treat and kind of disease. So please don’t wrongly conclude that vitamins should be used to do so. Last but not least, discuss everything with your doctor before you take any supplement. Only he or she knows what’s right and can diagnose a vitamin B deficiency if you have one. The odds are you do not have a deficiency because most people get plenty of it through the foods they eat.
Now let’s dig a little bit deeper into what the alleged benefits are for each of the B vitamins. Please understand that just because it’s listed below, it doesn’t mean it’s a proven fact. Not all of these alleged benefits have not been evaluated or endorsed yet by the FDA (who is notoriously slow for getting around to these things). Rather, I’m just listing them because there appears to be a strong body of evidence and research which links a given vitamin with a given benefit. Therefore, these benefits may or may not be correct.
Components of Super B Complex:
Thiamine (vitamin B1) – This shares a lot of the same properties as the rest of the B vitamins; the production of energy, heart, and brain. Some call this (and other B’s) the anti-stress vitamin, because it reportedly assists the body in the handling of stress.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) – There are number of functions this has been linked to. In addition to the many other shared benefits it has with the others in this family, it is known to boost antioxidant protection against harmful free radicals (it does this by replenishing what is known as glutathione). Additionally it is needed in order for B6 to work.
Niacin (vitamin B3) – Like most B vitamins, niacin helps promote energy metabolism, cardiovascular functions, and healthy formation of red blood cells.
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) – Your body cannot produce coenzyme-A without it. This one is most famous for its association with acne; some claim that mega doses of B5 will help.
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) – There are over one hundred processes in the body which utilize B6. It has been linked to heart, circulatory, and brain function. There are a number of skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dandruff, which may also benefit from it. It also plays in healthy potassium and sodium levels in your body.
Biotin (vitamin B7) – This seems to be most widely known for being linked to healthy skin, hair, and nails. Because of this, it’s incorporated in many different products which are used for hair loss. Deficiency is rare but when it does occur it may cause neurological problems and stunted growth, especially in babies.
Folic Acid (vitamin B9) – Often times pregnant woman are instructed to increase folic acid intake because if a deficiency is present, it can cause birth defects. Not getting enough has also been associated with age-related neurological degeneration.
Cobalamins (vitamin B12) – Many call this the energy vitamin due to its important role in your metabolism and the production of energy. Deficiency most often occurs in senior citizens because it is not being properly absorbed. Vegans will require supplementation because B12 is only found in animal-based foods, so it’s vital you take a supplement if that is your diet.
How To Get Proper Absorption
Water soluble vitamins leave your body when you urinate, so they don’t stay in your system long. The exception to this is B12, because the liver stores a substance it can convert to B12 when needed. But generally speaking, you should be taking a specially formulated supplement that is designed to be taken twice or three times daily if you want to ensure the nutrients are actually in your system.
One Last “Must Know” Thing
As mentioned at the top of this article, the best super B complex uses the coenzyme form – the natural form your body converts them to. Typically brands you see sold at stores don’t do this.